Main Performers | Martin Stringer (Operation Bushel), A/Cpl Sacha Gregory from No. 1 Tactical Police (Operation Ruman), Cadet Warrant Officer Billie James, Kevin McNally, Robin Sebastian - speakers
Gordon Jacob, Mick Hucknall, Alexandra Burke, Tom Fletcher - vocals |
Orchestra or Band | Bands of the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadronaires, Salon Orchestra
Blake (Ollie Baines, Stephen Bowman, Humphrey Berney) |
Set List | 'RAF 100 Fanfare' (Fanfare trumpeters), 'God Save the Queen' (The National Anthem) (Gordon Jacob, fanfare trumpeters, Bands), Welcome (Carol Vorderman), Drill Display (The Queen's Colour Squadron), Medley of Marches - 'Holyrood March', 'Dambusters March', 'Out of the Blue' (Bands, Queen's Colour Squadron), Reading - Origins of the RAF (Dan Snow, Bands) Reading - George V Telegram spoken over intro to 'I Vow to Thee My Country', from Jupiter, Holst (Actor)' 'I Vow to Thee My Country' (Blake, RAF Spitfires Choir, Bands) Never Such Innocence Project, Elegy on RAF March Past (Carol Vorderman), Never Such Innocence Project - Per Adua Ad Astra, Elegy on RAF March Past (Cadet Warrant Officer Billie James), Reading - Churchill Speech 20th August 1940 (Actor) over 'Battle of Britain March', Video - Six WW2 Planes (Bands), 'Into the Skies' (Bands), 'RAF March Past' INTERVAL Instrumental: 'In the Mood' (Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadronaires) Welcome Back (Dan Snow) 'Come Fly With Me' (Alexandra Burke, Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadronaires) 'The Test Pilot Sketch', Tony Hancock, Kenneth Williams (Kevin McNally, Robin Sebastian Hatties, Susy Kane) RAF Humanitarian Missions (Carol Vorderman, Martin Stringer (Operation Bushel), A/Cpl Sacha Gregory from No. 1 Tactical Police (Operation Ruman) - over 'Gabriel's Oboe', 'Born to Fly' (Tom Fletcher, Bands, Choir), Parade of Heroes - Veterans from across conflicts and generations invited to stand and take an applause - the stage is lined by a guard of RAF Cadets (Dan Snow, RAF Cadets, Veterans and Personne) - over 'Summoon the Heroes' 'Stars', Simply Red (Mick Hucknall) ENCORE 'A Sky Full of Stars' (Ensemble) |
Performance Notes | Join us at this Royal Gala to mark the Centenary of the Royal Air Force (RAF) on this special Easter weekend.
The Royal Air Force was formed on 1 April 1918 and on the eve of this historic event, our special and unique evening at the Royal Albert Hall will feature a star-studded programme to celebrate and commemorate the iconic and poignant occasions in its heroic 100 years and inspire the next 100 through our young people.
It will be a night of outstanding music, comedy, ceremonial drill, screen footage and personal recollections by those who have served and continue to serve in the defence of our country. Alongside some of our best known and treasured artists, you will see the Bands of the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force Squadronaires and Salon Orchestra alongside the Queens Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Dont miss this once in a Century occasion to show your support for the Royal Air Force as it marks its 100 years of outstanding service to the United Kingdom and be part of this unique tribute on 31st March.
Proceeds from the event went to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
Hospitality Dining tickets were available for £279 per person, which included a meal in Coda by Eric Chavot, premium Stalls seat, champagne, beverages and souvenir programme. Luxury Box Hospitality tickets were available for £6,000 (Grand Tier box), £3,600 (Loggia box), £1,600 (2nd Tier box), which included exclusive box hire, champagne and beverages, canapes and food, souvenir programmes.
Guests in the audience included Alan Carr (comedian, presenter).
The event was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 at 20:00 on 6 April 2018. |
Related Archival Material | Handbill (RAHE/6/2018/8), Digital Setlist |